AFL Players' Association Launches Investigation into Elijah Hollands' Disturbing Game Performance
The AFL Players' Association has initiated a formal probe into the alarming on-field behaviour exhibited by Carlton's Elijah Hollands during Thursday night's match, as more fan footage continues to surface on social media platforms, intensifying scrutiny over the incident.
Initial Discussions and Escalating Concerns
According to 7NEWS reporter Tom Morris, the Players' Association has already engaged in a brief discussion with the AFL regarding Hollands' situation, with more comprehensive conversations involving the league and Carlton Football Club scheduled to follow imminently. Morris emphasised that the primary focus for all parties involved is unequivocally on Hollands' welfare and ensuring he receives the necessary support.
During the game, Hollands displayed erratic movements and struggled significantly, managing only one disposal—an ineffective kick in the third quarter—despite playing 75% of the match across the first three quarters before being substituted off. AFL spokesperson Jay Allen confirmed that ongoing discussions with Carlton are underway, alongside efforts to provide Hollands with relevant support structures.
Fan Footage and Industry Reactions
Additional fan vision has emerged, depicting Hollands appearing unwell from the very start of the match, including during warm-ups where one attempted kick travelled barely 20 metres and missed the target by a wide margin. A fan who shared this footage expressed bewilderment, stating, I'm finding it really difficult to understand how Carlton allowed this player to play. 7NEWS.com.au has chosen not to broadcast this latest footage out of respect for privacy concerns.
7NEWS chief AFL reporter Mitch Cleary, who closely monitored Hollands during the game, noted that the player was displaying erratic behaviour and did not look like himself. Cleary revealed that Carlton staff were monitoring Hollands' heart rate in the second half and that he had experienced trouble sleeping the previous night, describing him as being in a pretty bad way post-match.
AFL legend Nick Riewoldt echoed these concerns, highlighting that any time such a narrative surrounds a player, the football club's first priority must be to wrap their arms around them and offer support. Riewoldt anticipates further updates from Carlton in the coming days as the situation develops.
Background and Context of Hollands' Career Struggles
Elijah Hollands, the No.7 pick in the 2020 national draft, has faced a tumultuous journey in the AFL. After playing just 14 games for Gold Coast, he joined his younger brother Ollie at Carlton for the 2024 season. Last year, Hollands took personal leave twice from Carlton, later disclosing battles with mental ill-health and issues with alcohol. Despite having a year remaining on his contract, he was delisted by the Blues at the end of the 2023 season but impressed during summer training to earn his spot back on the list.
In 2023, Hollands pleaded guilty to cocaine possession and received a two-match ban from the AFL for breaching the league's illicit drugs policy. It is important to note that 7NEWS.com.au is not suggesting any link between Thursday night's performance and the 2023 charge, but rather highlighting the broader challenges Hollands has encountered during his AFL career.
Before this concerning game against the Magpies, Hollands had played all six matches this season, averaging 18.4 possessions, making his sudden decline in performance all the more startling for observers and officials alike.
As the industry rallies around Hollands, questions linger about his future at the AFL level, with many finding it difficult to envision him returning to play given the severity of the incident and ongoing welfare considerations.
